NOMINATION 04: SFERA - Robot Bird

Belgrade-based company Sfera NO has developed the system for planned disposal of recycling waste. The whole system anticipates installation of sculptures in public space. In addition to esthetic function - beautifying of space, these sculptures also have practical function – thanks to modern technical solutions, they are, simply, inviting citizens to dispose of waste. Artistic sculpture BIRD ROBOT animates passers-by in an entertaining way to throw waste in it, after which the user gets a prize coupon that provides discount for sports and cultural manifestations.

Durability of BIRD ROBOT has been checked by the expert from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and the Faculty of Electrical Engineering in Belgrade, which means that, after initial investments, further maintenance requires very low funding, and the maintenance costs are significantly reduced, while the income from the recycling of packaging materials equals the achieved profit.

INNOVATION

This project’s innovation lies in original approach to the design of recycling containers. Such containers are intended for installation in public places where they would represent a decoration, and maybe even an attraction. BIRD ROBOT animates passers-by, in an entertaining way, to throw waste in it.

Also, the system is still being developed, and the next step, besides the improvement of the existing ones, is creation of new packaging waste collecting systems. For that purpose, ROBOT CONTAINERS are being developed for five types of waste, and they will be installed in schools with the aim of raising children’s awareness of the significance of recycling. The whole model of work with children is based on three principles: development of civic values, entrepreneurship and creativity.

PUBLIC USEFULESS

The project anticipates participation of various groups, so that the following institutions will take part in realization of the project: 4 schools and 2 kindergartens from the borough of Savski Venac (approximately 5,000 kids, pupils) and teachers; 5 schools and 2 kindergartens from the borough of Vračar (approximately 7,000 kids, pupils) and teachers; 4 schools, 2 secondary schools and 2 kindergartens from the borough of Stari Grad (approximately 8,000 kids, pupils, students) and teachers; and 18 schools from the borough of New Belgrade. In addition, students will also join the project’s realization, and they will be able to present their environmental inventions within the scope of the special programme.

Thanks to this solution, the citizens will be, first of all, educated and animated, as well as invited to take part in recycling because the problem of waste in our country is one of many that endanger sustainability of the whole system. Sensors in BIRD ROBOT enable distinguishing of different types of waste, thanks to which both primary and secondary recycling are made possible, while the manpower for the manual job is reduced. In addition to these two important things, it should be pointed out that BIRD ROBOT is going to socialize marginalized groups by providing jobs for about 20 families through organization "Roma Heart". The members of these families will be working on transportation of baled waste.

One can of beer can ”live” on scrap yard for up to 500 years, while the recycled tin can can be back in store in 60 days. About 500 tin cans are needed for production of one bicycle. The experts estimate that the recycling of one can saves enough energy for two hours of computer work. Another interesting fact is that the recycling of one ton of aluminum saves 9,000 liters of oil, which is sufficient for production of enough electric power to illuminate one household for 10 years. Our country does not exploit these potentials. Serbia has big problem with the disposal of waste and scrap yards that damage the health of citizens. This system will not only ensure the planned waste management, but it will also provide the function for waste and provide the environmental sustainability of community and the solution for scrap yards.

The work itself is based on the use of electric power, where the consumed power equals the power used per computer. Considering the amount of recyclable material, one can say that the saving of energy increases a hundred times. Therefore, the entire system is completely environmentally friendly.

COMMERCIAL SUCCESS

The buyers of this type of products are public utility companies, municipalities and other public institutions. The profitability of this investment will mainly depend on public awareness, legal framework and the readiness of organizations to buy such recycling containers.

This type of products requires legal support in order for the commercial effects to be ensured for manufacturers.

So far, three BIRD ROBOTS have been sold, and the aim is that the whole campaign spreads to both central and suburban boroughs of Belgrade. The system will be introduced in other cities in Serbia starting October 2009, and the plan is that it appears in the markets of the regional countries prior to year 2011.

The idea is to educate individuals and to offer them a concrete solution that will be simple to use. So far, everything in the domain of ecology has started and ended with seminars, workshops, advertisements, and this is the first time that the concrete solution that has material form is offered, which makes this project different from all others.

The value of the investment is about 150,000 EUR. The incomes to the date amount to about 50,000 EUR.